Videotapes also bring the family together to watch and learn and talk about the procedures shown. Videotapes can present helpful ideas on how to cope and how to solve simple problems such as how to set up a bedroom or tackle more serious problems. This can become a "quickie course" for family members to learn their role in supportive and home care.
The Doctor's Responsibility Doctors are well aware of the problems you and your family go through when you get the diagnosis of cancer. And your doctor does have a responsibility to reduce fears and confusion and to make it as easy as possible for you to understand what he or she is saying.
But not all doctors have learned to communicate effectively. If your doctor doesn't use techniques such as audio- and videotapes, ask about them. With your doctor's permission, perhaps you could take your own tape recorder into your consultations. Experience has shown that this technique promotes active discussion and doesn't intimidate physicians, patients or families.
